Thomas Tuchel has declared that England are built for big moments — and that the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds will bring out the best in his squad.

England topped Group L and now face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta. The path to that stage was not always pretty, with a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Panama at MetLife Stadium and a goalless draw with Ghana among the group-stage results.

Tuchel's confidence in his players

Speaking to BBC Sport after England sealed top spot, Tuchel was candid about the difficulty of the group stage but showed no signs of concern heading into the knockouts.